Forgive Me, Your Majesty

"They're shooting fireworks by the lake!"

Without another word, Genie gathered up her skirts and darted off toward the distant glow of the lakeside, laughter echoing behind her like bells in the night. 

Worried she might disappear into the sea of people, Jade moved quickly, weaving through the crowd to keep her within sight. The lakeshore was just as crowded, filled with townsfolk gathered to watch the brilliant display overhead. Lanterns floated on the surface of the water, their soft, golden reflections shimmering alongside the ripples caused by the gentle evening breeze.

Genie came to a stop near the edge of the gathering, her figure illuminated by the glow of the fireworks bursting overhead. Tilting her head back, she gazed at the sky with wide, wonder-filled eyes.

"Amazing!" she shouted, her voice carrying with the rising chorus of cheers from the crowd.

Jade watched her carefully. For a moment, the poised, dignified monarch he had always known seemed to vanish, replaced by the unguarded young woman standing barefoot on the shoreline of her kingdom, her eyes alight with unfiltered joy. This was Genie — not the crown, not the royal court — but her, brilliant and alive beneath the fireworks.

Without realizing it, his lips curved into a quiet, almost wistful smile.

Above them, brilliant cascades of crimson and silver fell across the heavens, their light reflecting in Genie's eyes like twin stars. Jade's heart beat in time with each bursting echo, matching the rapid pace of the fireworks as they bloomed and scattered.

Suddenly, Genie turned to him, her cheeks flushed from excitement, her eyes sparkling with something more than just delight.

"Jade!"

But her voice was swallowed by the roar of the crowd and the sharp crackle of the pyrotechnics above. He could barely hear her over the noise, but her gaze never wavered.

Still, she pressed on, lifting her voice. "From now on—!"

"What?" Jade leaned closer, his brows furrowed slightly, the world narrowing to just the two of them despite the throng around them. "What did you say?"

"I said—!"

Before the words could fully escape her lips, a breathtaking lotus-shaped firework burst across the sky in blinding gold, drawing gasps and applause from every direction. The thunderous explosion smothered her voice completely.

Jade stared at her, seeing her lips move, but not a single word reached him.

The firelight painted soft hues across her cheeks, and with the sudden shyness of someone caught between boldness and retreat, Genie smiled faintly and shook her head.

"It's nothing," she seemed to say, though no words passed between them.

Jade's chest tightened with quiet frustration and longing. He wanted to know—needed to know—what she had tried to say. But Genie only tilted her head back once more, entranced by the spectacle unfolding above, the sharp edges of her earlier resolve now softened by the fragile beauty of the moment.

He stood beside her in silence, the sound of fireworks echoing around them like distant thunder.

'Your Majesty…'

Some time later, they left the lively streets behind, trading the noise of the festival for the calm hush of a quiet residential quarter. The laughter and fireworks faded into the distance, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves stirred by the evening breeze.

Ahead, a modest tavern sat tucked between rows of old stone houses, its windows glowing faintly with the amber light of hearth fires. Jade lifted a hand, pointing toward it.

"Just a little farther, Your Majesty."

Beside him, Genie exhaled in a long, weary sigh, her earlier excitement now softened into fatigue. 

"Ah… I can't wait to lie down. My feet might fall off."

Jade allowed himself a small smile but kept his gaze forward. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke again, more quietly this time. 

"Um… Your Majesty."

She glanced up at him. 

"Yes?"

"What were you saying earlier… by the lake?"

"Earlier?" she echoed, playing innocent, though the playful sparkle had returned to her eyes.

"Yes." He kept his tone casual, but the tension in his voice betrayed him. "Right before the lotus firework."

Genie laughed softly, shaking her head. "It's nothing."

"Can't you tell me again?" His voice was gentle, but there was an edge of earnestness now.

Another soft laugh, this one lighter, almost teasing. 

"I'll tell you when the time feels right."

He glanced at her, mock offense flickering across his features. 

"Was it important?"

She flashed him a mischievous smile. 

"Is anything a monarch says ever unimportant?"

For a beat, Jade could only stare at her, defeated by her wit, before letting out a quiet chuckle. 

"Touché."

Soon they reached the small tavern, its entrance framed with creeping vines and wildflowers that spilled from ceramic pots. Though humble, the place was well-kept, its wooden beams polished by years of care.

Genie stepped forward first, opening the door with both hands as though unveiling a hidden sanctuary. The warm scent of burning firewood and simmering stew drifted from the kitchen, wrapping around them like a comforting embrace.

Hearing their footsteps, the innkeeper emerged, wiping her hands on her apron. She was a stout, cheerful woman with silver streaks in her braided hair.

"Ah, you've arrived! Right this way," she said warmly, her voice rich with homely welcome. "I've just stoked the fires in both rooms. Nice and warm."

She led them down a short hallway and gestured to two small rooms side by side, separated only by thin paper walls.

"You may use those," she said kindly.

Genie offered a slight bow of gratitude and pointed to the left room. 

"I'll take this one."

Jade nodded. 

"Then I'll be next door."

For a brief moment, they stood there at their respective doors, the distance between them feeling both close and impossibly far. Genie looked up at him with a smile softer than moonlight.

"Sleep well, Jade."

Jade bowed slightly, hiding the twinge of something more lingering in his chest. 

"Rest peacefully, Your Majesty."

He didn't move until she finally stepped inside, closing the door gently behind her.

Just as he turned to head into his own room, the innkeeper's voice rose behind him, low and amused.

"You must really like that young lady, hmm?"

The innkeeper chuckled, folding her arms as if she'd seen this scene play out a hundred times before. 

"At my age, you can see these things clearly every day. You don't need to say a word—your eyes already did."

With a knowing wink, she disappeared back into the kitchen, laughing heartily to herself.

Face flushed, Jade ducked into his room as quickly as he could. 

Inside, the room was small but cozy, the faint crackling of the fire in the brazier giving it a gentle warmth. He unfolded the neatly arranged bedding and knelt down, working to untie his outer robe.

'I hope Her Majesty didn't hear that...'

As he tugged loose the sash at his waist, still feeling awkward, the tranquil quiet was suddenly, violently broken.

Thunk!

An arrow tore straight through the delicate paper door, slicing the silence apart. It embedded itself deep into the wooden beam behind him—mere inches from where Jade stood, his robe half undone.

Jade froze, his hands pausing midair as he untied the sash of his outer robe. For a single breath, silence pressed down around him. The next, his instincts took over. Without hesitation, he drew the sword from his belt in one smooth motion and stepped out into the night.

The courtyard of the inn was utterly still, swallowed whole by the heavy darkness. Not a soul in sight. Only the faint chirring of insects broke the oppressive quiet.

Jade's footsteps made no sound as he crossed the yard, each step deliberate, guided only by the faint glow spilling through the thin cracks of the Queen's chamber door. The warm lamplight was a fragile defiance against the surrounding black.

'I should inform Her Majesty first, before chasing after them.'

He lifted his hand to knock—but stopped. A sharp, uneasy feeling twisted in his gut. The memory surfaced, unbidden, sharp as broken glass.

'That man…'

The shadow who had followed him days ago on the road to Kim Jin's residence.

His face flashed in Jade's mind—a glimpse caught beneath the hood, illuminated by a passing lantern. Familiar. Too familiar.

It's Gonse.

Jade's jaw tightened.

'It can't be.'

Gonse, once a trusted comrade in the Ash Kingdom's army, a man Jade had trained with, bled with. A man who had disappeared before Jade himself defected to Hana. Deserted. Gone.

'He shouldn't be here…'

The denial was instant, but it rang hollow. His hand lowered slowly from the door, his knuckles white from tension.

If it was Gonse—if it truly was him—then this wasn't just a matter of his own safety anymore. It could jeopardize everything. His defection. His new life. His loyalty to Hana. And worst of all… the Queen.

Jade bit down hard on his lower lip.

'I can't drag her into this. Not yet. Not until I'm sure.'

And if the man who had tried to kill him bore Gonse's face… there was a very real chance this wasn't just personal. It could be far worse. Worst of all, it could expose the truth of who he really was. And that, he could never allow—not to her.

"Forgive me… Your Majesty."